Good News for May 7, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- May 8
- 8 min read
In this Issue:
Listen and Follow
~ Dennis Mueller
Saint Albert the Great Church + Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Jesus knows His sheep! To be known is something we all desire, because only by being known can we hope to be loved for who we truly are. I find great comfort in the truth that I am known by God. He sees past my sin, because that’s not what defines me. His love defines me. My identity rests in Him. I am the sum of His love.
The Shepherd leads and protects and the sheep listen to his voice and follow. It’s a simple equation. So, why wouldn’t we want to listen to Him, the one who has the words of eternal life? That’s a good question to ask ourselves, because there are times when we choose not to listen to the voice of the Shepherd. It’s at those times that I find myself lost in the world and miserable because I’ve separated myself from the source of joy, peace, and love itself.
Jesus states explicitly that no one shall snatch His sheep out of His or His Father's hand, and again, I find great comfort in that because the Enemy has no power over me unless I choose to empower him, which is exactly what I do when I choose not to listen to the voice of the Shepherd. No one can snatch me from God’s hand but I am free to leave the protection of His hand when I choose to elevate my will above His holy will, in a feeble attempt to make myself god in that moment. This is the root of all sin, but God knows me and continues to love me despite my grasping something other than Him. That’s when the Shepherd steps in. The Shepherd searches for me when I lose myself, and what does He do when I come to my senses and put myself into a position to be found? He picks me up in His hands and carries me back to the Father where I am known and loved.
A Prayer for All Mothers
Loving God, we give thanks today for the gift of mothers—for all those who have nurtured us, guided us, and loved us with a mother’s heart.We pray for mothers everywhere: for those who rejoice and those who weep; for those who are close and those who are far away; for those who gave us life, and for those who chose us in love.
We remember especially today mothers who are struggling, mothers who are grieving, and those who long to be mothers but face heartbreak. May Your comfort be with them, Your strength uphold them, and Your peace surround them.
Bless all who mother in any form—grandmothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, aunts, mentors, and caregivers—who show us Your tenderness and grace.
Let us honor and cherish the women in our lives, as we honor Mary, the mother of our Lord, and look to You, O God, the Source of all compassion.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen
Graduation Honors!
Cap and Gown Season is upon us, and it’s time to honor our students. Please call Brandi in the rectory office 215-549-3760 and tell her the names of your graduates and their academic achievements (high school, bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, other). She will keep a list and when graduation time arrives, Good News will offer accolades!
Baby Bottles for Guiding Star Ministries
Guiding Star Ministries is a maternity home in Germantown for pregnant women and their children. They also provide life skills for future success. Please take a bottle in the back of church and fill it with your donation. Bottles will be available this weekend, and the return date is May 31 - June 1.
The Future of the Church
Thanks to everyone who joined us on Saturday for the Archdiocese's conversation on the future of the church in Philadelphia. If you weren't able to attend, you can sign up to join another session in person or virtually at this link.
Celebrate Deacon Bill - May 24!
Join us for a special evening to celebrate Deacon Bill Bradley’s retirement on Saturday, May 24 from 6–9 PM in the School Hall. We’ll provide dinner, wine, and beer—feel free to BYOB as well! Please RSVP here by Sunday, May 18.
Don't Miss Out! Sign Up for Summer Camp!
Looking for a fun and faith-filled summer experience for your little one? St. Raymond Summer Camp is the place to be! Click here for more info and to sign up!
Spring Fling Jazz Night May 31
To purchase tickets, you can also call the rectory at 215-549-3760.
Our Bible Study Has Concluded!
During our eight-week great adventure of Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible, an average of 23-25 people attended in-person, and many participated via Zoom. We learned how to see the big picture of the Bible without feeling overwhelmed. With the help of Jeff Cavins and the Bible Timeline Chart, we experienced narratives to link 14 books of the Bible, respective time periods, covenants, people, roles, and key events. We learned how Jesus links the Old Testament to the New Testament. And, we left knowing that we are that empowered by the Holy Spirit!
Stay tuned for our next faith formation opportunity. Please say a prayer that it happens and bears fruit.
View the Week 8 Study Guide below.
Generation Grace had an amazing night making homemade pizzas last weekend! We're so blessed to have a space for our young people to hang out.
Do you have a child in grades 6th-8th? Please contact Brandi to get them involved in our Middle School Youth Ministry: brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.
Parents of 5th-8th Graders: We’ve Got Something for Your Kids.
Looking for a safe, fun, and meaningful way for your child to connect with others and explore life, faith, and purpose? St. Raymond Church invites 5th-8th graders to join us every 4th Sunday for real conversations, great company, and free food!
When: Next meeting is May 25, then every 4th Sunday through December, 2025
Time: 11:45 am - 1:45 pm
Where: St. Raymond Church
Each session unpacks a big topic designed to spark discussion and help kids think deeply about who they are and what they believe—in a welcoming and fun environment!
All are welcome: Register here.
Book Fair Volunteers Wanted - Please Help!
St. Raymond School will be hosting a book fair from May 12th to May 16th, between 9 am and 1 pm each day. Ms. Gayle Perry-Johnson, the assistant school principal, is looking for parishioners who may be willing to volunteer and assist with the Point of Sale process during the event.
To volunteer, complete the application below.
Support the St. Raymond School Students!
St. Raymond is the center for excellent Catholic education in Mount Airy, Philadelphia. This is because of our awesome students, staff who know that relationships with students are key to optimal learning, and most importantly, our families who work hard for this community.
Your donations will help pay for:
Math Specialist for Lower School
School Dance Team Instructor
Materials and Supplies for special events
And much more!
Father Zlock is sharing the latest construction updates:
Cell Phone Reminder
Once again, we need to remind everyone to silence their cell phones during Mass. Unexpected electronic sounds lead others to lose their focus during a time that all hold sacred. So we ask you, please, to honor this request and double-check your phone when you enter church.
Financial Facts
We thank those parishioners who, recognizing God’s gifts to them, make their response in our weekly collection. Your continued support is vital, necessary, and deeply appreciated.
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $9,892.98
Monthly Church Maintenance: $624.02
REST: $50.00
Easter: $115.00
Catholic Home Missions: $10.00
Total: $10,692.00
Special Collections
May 11-Catholic Home Missions
May 25-Maintenance
Catholic Human Services Has a Name Change
Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia – the umbrella entity that administers charitable works of mercy through more than 40 programs providing food, housing, and vital support to people throughout the region – announced it is changing its name to Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, returning to that organization's roots.
According to an article by Gia Myers of Catholic Philly, one factor that led officials to reexamine the name of the organization was apparent confusion among Catholics over how or whether the more than 40 Catholic agencies spread over multiple divisions such as Catholic Social Services were related. Research with focus groups found that they preferred the simplified name Catholic Charities of Philadelphia.
The organization will continue to deliver the same well-loved and much-needed services throughout the five counties that make up the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
This change aligns with the Jan. 5 pastoral letter from Archbishop Nelson Pérez which outlines his Trust and Hope vision.
Update on DMI Survey from CLI
THANK YOU for participating in the DMI. To date, over 30,000 surveys have been completed for the Archdiocese in total. Catholic Leadership Institute is beginning to process the paper surveys sent forward so that your Pastor will be able to access the full results, understand the DMI reports and communicate those to the parish. The timing for post-DMI sessions for Pastors/Points-of-Contact/Key Leaders will be communicated by the end of May.
Donate to Support St. Raymond Church
Support St. Raymond with online giving! You can make a one-time or recurring gift by clicking DONATE HERE. Prefer to give on your phone? Text straymond to 833-363-7471 and follow the simple instructions.
You can also scan the QR code to donate..
Please note: We no longer accept Cash App for tithes. You can give via Venmo (@StRaymond-PenafortPhilly), PushPay, Parish Giving, or Envelopes. To request envelopes, email Brandi at brandi@straymond.net. Thank you for your generosity!
Save the Date!
Summer Camps at Archbishop Wood
We’re excited to offer a wide range of Archbishop Wood Summer Camps for elementary and middle school students! Whether your child is an athlete, an artist, a future scientist, or a curious learner, there’s something for everyone!
Athletic Camps
Visit https://tinyurl.com/ydh4hrsr to register!
Led by our talented coaching staff, these camps help students sharpen their skills and build confidence in a positive, team-focused environment.
Cheer Camp for ages 4-14: June 16–20 (9 AM–2:30 PM)
Football Camp for incoming 6th - 8th graders: June 10, 12, 19 (5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Baseball Camp for incoming 9th graders: June 23–26 and/or July 14–17 (9 AM–2 PM)
Girls Basketball for incoming 3rd through 9th graders: July 28–31 (9 AM–3 PM)
Boys Basketball for incoming 3rd through 9th graders: June 16–20 (9 AM–3 PM)
Girls Volleyball for incoming 5th through 9th graders: August 4–7 (Gr 5&6 4 PM–5:30 PM, Gr 7,8,9 5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Field Hockey for incoming 2nd through 9th graders: June 23–26 (9 AM–3 PM)
Girls Flag Football for incoming 4th through 8th graders: July 21–24 (5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Enrichment & Arts Camps
Visit https://tinyurl.com/55r8xw2t to register!
Creative and academic camps that make learning fun while helping students explore new interests!
Mixed Media Art Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: June 23–27 (9 AM–12 PM)
Theater 101 for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 28–August 1 (6 PM–9 PM)
Executive Functioning Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 14–18 (9 AM–12 PM)
Faith Builders Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 28–August 1 (9 AM–12 PM)
Science Explorers Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders (Zoology, Chemistry, Earth/Space, Forensics): June 30–July 3 (9 AM–12 PM)
Mindfulness Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 21–25 or August 11–15 (9 AM–12 PM)
Robotics Camp for incoming 4th through 8th graders: June 23–27 (9 AM–3 PM)
Why Choose Archbishop Wood Camps?
Welcoming environment rooted in our Catholic values
Small group sizes with individualized attention
Run by experienced teachers, coaches, and moderators
A great way to meet future classmates and explore our campus
Questions? Email Dr. Nobles at knobles@archwood.org
We can’t wait to welcome your child to campus this summer. Let the adventure begin!
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